A King Air plane with nine people, including Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, on board aborted its flight to Northern Samar after it encountered a mechanical problem while about to leave Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Tuesday.
Rescue, security and medical personnel from the Manila International Airport Authority, and a team from the Airport Grounds Operation and Safety Division immediately responded to assist Go and his companions, along with the flight crew of the aircraft that stalled at NAIA Runway 13/31 around 10 a.m.
“At 10 a.m. today, our plane had to abort the flight at NAIA after developing a mechanical issue in one of its engines. My team and I were supposed to be on our way to distribute assistance to our fellow Filipinos affected by heavy rains and floods in Mapanas, Catarman and Lavezares, all in Northern Samar,” said Go in a statement.
“I was also scheduled to inspect the Super Health Center and a newly constructed covered court in Lavezares, as well as the renovated public market in Catarman today,” he added.
Go said despite best efforts to secure alternative flights, “with much regret, we cannot push through with my personal visit. The safety of everyone on board is also paramount.”
The senator, however, said he made sure that the scheduled activities, particularly the distribution of much-needed assistance to the affected families, was conducted without delay.
“My staff had been on the ground in Northern Samar for several days already, assisting local authorities to address the needs of the victims.”
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) investigators were also dispatched to the site to check the condition of the plane and determine the cause of the mechanical problems.
The MIAA stated that the aircraft was extracted at the runway after 40 minutes.
“Clearing operations was done by the MIAA Airport Ground Operations Safety Division (AGOSD) to check for possible Foreign Object Debris (FOD) before giving clearance to re-open Runway 13/31. The Runway was re-opened by 1048H. No flights were affected during the emergency situation,” it added.
Both crew and passengers have also been declared unharmed by the MIAA Medical office.
Go commended the MIAA personnel “for the swift recovery action to minimize adverse impact on other flight operations and the plane crew for ensuring our safety.”